Tummy Tuck in Ft. Lauderdale
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a transformative procedure that restores the toned appearance of the abdomen. By removing excess skin and fat and tightening the abdominal wall muscles, abdominoplasty aims to enhance core strength and create a smoother, firmer midsection—especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough.
Learn More
Abdominoplasty overview
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty surgery, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes fat and skin from the abdomen to smooth and tighten the midsection. In most cases, it includes the restoration of weakened or separated muscles too. The goal of abdominoplasty is to reverse the effects that aging, gravity, childbirth, weight fluctuations, and loss of elasticity have on the abdomen.
Book your consultation
Love your new abs
Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck?
Anyone who is unhappy with loss of abdominal muscle strength and the appearance of excess sagging skin and fat as a result of weight changes, childbirth, or aging may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Ideal candidates are non-smokers at a healthy and stable weight, with realistic expectations of plastic surgery outcomes.
With abdominoplasty, we can address:
Loose, sagging skin
Stubborn fat deposits
Muscle separation
Stretch marks
Lower back pain or poor posture caused by muscle weakness
State-of-the-art-care
Types of tummy tucks
There are several different types of abdominoplasty, with more incisions being required for more complex cases.
The least invasive tummy tuck technique is the mini tuck, which focuses on the lower abdomen, below the belly button. A limited incision is made to remove excess of skin and fat, with minimal or no muscle repair being performed. Similarly, the reverse tummy tuck involves creating minor incisions below the breasts to target sagging skin in the upper abdomen.
A full tummy tuck involves making a low, horizontally oriented incision just above the pubic hairline and extending from hip to hip. A second incision is made around the naval. This allows for the removal of skin and fat from the entire abdomen, from the ribs to the pubic region, and the repair of weakened abdominal muscles.
In some cases, Dr. Palmer may recommend that liposuction be performed concurrently with tummy tuck surgery. Patients often pair abdominoplasty with an arm lift, thigh lift, or breast augmentation surgery.
Devoted care at every step
What to expect before and during your tummy tuck procedure
During your pre-operative appointment with Dr. Palmer, you will finalize surgical plans and discuss any other questions you may have about the surgery. Generally, patients will need surgical clearance, which may involve blood work or other screening, such as an EKG for patients over 50 to ensure their heart is healthy enough for surgery.
Dr. Palmer performs all his surgeries using sedation delivered intravenously. Patients breathe on their own and control their bodily functions but remain completely asleep, for a painless surgical experience. Intravenous sedation is safer when compared to general anesthesia, with patients feeling less groggy and recovering quicker after surgery.
Abdominoplasty surgery typically lasts two to five hours, depending on the performance of additional surgeries, and the complexity of the procedure. After a short recovery period in-clinic, patients are released to recover comfortably at home
Better results. Faster recovery
Abdominoplasty results and recovery process
Dr. Palmer has extensive experience in performing drainless tummy tucks—a technique that improves patient comfort, decreases recovery time, and allows for smoother skin healing. Patients are also instructed to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and bruising, both common occurrences after abdominoplasty surgery.
After your abdominoplasty procedure, expect to:
Return to work seven to ten days after surgery
Avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks
Wear a compression garment for several weeks
See visible improvements immediately and full results after several months
Why choose Dr. Palmer for your abdominoplasty?
Dr. Palmer has extensive experience in performing tummy tucks without the need for drains. He utilizes intravenous sedation instead of general anesthesia, which significantly reduces the risks of major complications. He also uses intraoperative pain control techniques which minimize post operative pain and contribute to a more smooth recovery.
Dr. Palmer approaches each abdominoplasty surgery with a unique approach that assesses three important factors—excess skin, excess fat, and muscle weakness. By carefully considering these, he can create the optimal surgical plan that balances visible and functional results in an effort to provide the most optimal outcome.
Two decades spent training and gaining practical knowledge at two of the country’s most prestigious medical schools, Harvard Medical School and UCLA School of Medicine, has allowed Dr. Palmer to develop the best protocols for producing natural-looking results while minimizing pain during recovery.
Contact Us
Average cost of abdominoplasty
How much does abdominoplasty cost?
The cost of abdominoplasty varies based on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, whether muscle repair or liposuction is included, and the duration of the surgery—which affects anesthesia fees.
Plastic surgeons with board certification, more experience, and specialized expertise generally charge more for their commitment to precise techniques and delivering natural, long-lasting results. This investment often ensures a higher level of care and patient satisfaction.
During your consultation, pricing for abdominoplasty, along with available financing or payment options, will be discussed in detail.
We offer a host of affordable financing options
Explore questions
Abdominoplasty FAQ
Most abdominoplasty patients consider abdominoplasty a 6-7/10 on the pain scale. Noticeable bruising and swelling are common, especially during the first week. However, pain greatly decreases by week two.
Tummy tuck surgery is considered a major surgery due to its invasive nature and the removal of significant excess skin. It comes with the risk of complications and infection, which is why it’s important to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Patients typically lose between three to five pounds with tummy tuck surgery, though weight loss isn’t the main goal of abdominoplasty. Midsection appearance is most highly impacted by the removal of excess skin and fat, creating natural contours, reshaping the waistline, and the repair of separated abdominal muscles.
Insurance companies view tummy tuck surgery as a cosmetic, elective surgery and therefore rarely cover them. Detailed information about insurance coverage and payment plans can be discussed in more detail during your initial consultation.
Diet and exercise can be used to reduce fat and tighten the midsection to a degree. However, low-hanging belly fat and loose skin require abdominoplasty to be fully resolved.
A tummy tuck does not impact the size of the breasts. However, the removal of loose skin and belly fat for a flatter midsection may cause your breasts to appear larger.
Transformation awaits
Ready to take the first step?
Fall back in love with what you see in the mirror.
Click below to book your private consultation and start your journey today.
Book Now